Panoramic sunroof (+2008) model for weekend camper?

[kazza]

Hello Everyone, 
I'm new to this forum and I am currently looking to buy a Berlingo Multispace +2008 model as my main car and for camping at weekends. I have a budget between £3000-£6000 to spend depending on age and mileage and looking to get opinions on the best model to buy which will give the most storage and well be our main car for at least the next 5 years. 

Ideally, I'm looking to spend closer to £3-4K which has focused my search on the 2008/09 models with the panoramic sunroof and fairly low mileage (around 60-70K). So I was just wondering:  

Is the panoramic sunroof good for camping? 

As I'm planning to use it as my car, are they prone to leakage? 

Would the panoramic sunroof be a major issue with condensation if I was to install a small gas heater? 

From looking at pictures it looks like the panoramic sunroof models have extra storage with the plastic drawer compartment close to the tailgate. I was wondering if anyone knows if other +2008 non-sunroof models have this extra storage? Also does this extra compartment mean you have less headroom if you sit at a table in the back? 

I really like the idea of sleeping in the car with the panoramic sunroof, but just wanted to check if there are any major issues that I should beware of and if it would be better to go for a non-sunroof model?

Finally, I have heard the clutches can be temperamental, so I was wondering what everyones thoughts are on the automatic versions? Is it fair to say that you are less likely to have mechanical problems with an automatic than a manual? There are a few "rare" automatics on the market right now so thought I'd check that as well. 

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any help. 

[Gravity]

Hi.
I have the earlier model with the Modutop, and the overhead storage bins - especially the tailgate one - are a pain if camping is your aim. They get in the way, and are not of any big benefit.

I also have the model you intend to buy - the B9 - with a plain roof. I have turned it into a versatile camper (see my thread: https://www.berlingoforum.com/thread-16358.html) by using the internal storage beams.

As for the Citroen auto box - well, there are plenty of horror stories on here and elsewhere. Personally, although I like auto's generally (brought up on Mercs, which are nearly all auto), i would not buy the Citroen version.

Those are just my personal views. Others may differ, but hey - that's what a forum like this is for!

Whatever you buy, i hope it gives you plenty of enjoyable motoring and camping.

[BerlingoAndy]

I have a 2014 XTR version with plain roof. I have the auto gearbox too but I wished I had got the manual version. Most of the time approaching junctions it will change down to first gear even though I'm still rolling around 10mph, this makes for a harsh take off. The other thing it does, is to decide to change down to first as I roll out of a roundabout, the delay often leaves me momentarily stranded with traffic coming at my side. You can use the paddles to shift down though but I'm lazy.

[kazza]

Hi.
I have the earlier model with the Modutop, and the overhead storage bins - especially the tailgate one - are a pain if camping is your aim. They get in the way, and are not of any big benefit.

I also have the model you intend to buy - the B9 - with a plain roof. I have turned it into a versatile camper (see my thread: https://www.berlingoforum.com/thread-16358.html) by using the internal storage beams.

As for the Citroen auto box - well, there are plenty of horror stories on here and elsewhere. Personally, although I like auto's generally (brought up on Mercs, which are nearly all auto), i would not buy the Citroen version.

Those are just my personal views. Others may differ, but hey - that's what a forum like this is for!

Whatever you buy, i hope it gives you plenty of enjoyable motoring and camping.

Thanks for all the info Gravity. Your versatile camping thread is really helpful.  

I think I am now leaning towards a plain roof. What does everyone else think? If the main aim is camping, would folks go for the Modutop or plain roof?

[kazza]

I have a 2014 XTR version with plain roof. I have the auto gearbox too but I wished I had got the manual version. Most of the time approaching junctions it will change down to first gear even though I'm still rolling around 10mph, this makes for a harsh take off. The other thing it does, is to decide to change down to first as I roll out of a roundabout, the delay often leaves me momentarily stranded with traffic coming at my side. You can use the paddles to shift down though but I'm lazy.

Thanks for info BerlingoAndy which is good to know. I was always planning to buy a manual, but thought I'd put it out there. What does everyone else think about the auto versus manual for daily run around?

[Elbie]

I have a 2014 XTR version with plain roof. I have the auto gearbox too but I wished I had got the manual version. Most of the time approaching junctions it will change down to first gear even though I'm still rolling around 10mph, this makes for a harsh take off. The other thing it does, is to decide to change down to first as I roll out of a roundabout, the delay often leaves me momentarily stranded with traffic coming at my side. You can use the paddles to shift down though but I'm lazy.

Thanks for info BerlingoAndy which is good to know. I was always planning to buy a manual, but thought I'd put it out there. What does everyone else think about the auto versus manual for daily run around?

I have an automatic (my first) I didnt want one but price / model /location etc all pulled together except this one element!! It seems good to me but as BerlingoAndy mentions the finer parts of city driving occasionally lack that extra bit of finesse when you're fully in charge! you can make in manual but it's too weird to drive with paddles for me